New Giannis Trade Rumors on Wizards' Pursuit amid Warriors, Heat, Lakers, Knicks Buzz

The Washington Wizards are reportedly among a long list of potential suitors for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has already been connected to the likes of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Miami Heat, among others.

"I basically was told by a very good source close to that Washington situation that they're going to explore their options, and I think that with some of the young talent that they have, why not, right?" ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported.

The Wizards haven't won a playoff series since 2017 and are coming off three straight seasons with fewer than 20 wins, but this could be a rather bold offseason.

After all, they already turned heads during the 2025-26 campaign when they traded for Anthony Davis and Trae Young. While Davis never suited up for the team before the season ended and Young played just five games for Washington, the duo could be veteran leaders in 2026-27.

Washington also landed the No. 1 overall pick in what is expected to be a loaded 2026 NBA draft.

That could put it in line to select AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer as a franchise cornerstone to build around for years to come. B/R's Jonathan Wasserman projected the Eastern Conference team to select Dybantsa with that pick in his most recent mock draft.

Dybantsa Highlight Dunk

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However, that No. 1 pick is also quite the trade chip.

Perhaps the front office will decide it wants to make a win-now push with the veterans in Davis and Young and is willing to sacrifice a potential future star in Dybantsa by including the No. 1 pick in a trade for Antetokounmpo.

That top pick could be the ultimate trump card in any bidding war between other teams since the Bucks will surely be looking to rebuild if and when they do move on from the future Hall of Famer. 

And there aren't many better places to start a rebuild than the No. 1 pick in a loaded draft.

It would be an incredibly aggressive move from the Wizards, but Antetokounmpo is a generational talent with a resume that includes a championship, an NBA Finals MVP, two league MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year, nine All-NBA selections, five All-Defensive nods and 10 All-Star Game selections.

He, Young and Davis would be a potentially dominant trio if they all stayed healthy and could propel the Wizards into immediate contention in the Eastern Conference.